Bill Brooks: Definitely worth a LOOK

Bill Brooks  •  Calgary Herald
Published Nov 05, 2016  •  Last updated Nov 05, 2016  •  2 minute read
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Pictured, from left, at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary's signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the 'old planetarium' -future home of Contemporary Calgary are The New YorkerÕs Adam Gopnik, Contemporary Calgary CEO Pierre Arpin and headliner this night, comedian, actor and art enthusiast Steve Martin.
Pictured, from left, at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary's signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the 'old planetarium' -future home of Contemporary Calgary are The New YorkerÕs Adam Gopnik, Contemporary Calgary CEO Pierre Arpin and headliner this night, comedian, actor and art enthusiast Steve Martin. Photo by Phil Crozier /Phil Crozier

LOOK 2016, the premiere fundraiser for Contemporary Calgary held Oct 22 in the Centennial Planetarium was an SRO success and was attended by scores of cultural revolutionaries. That none other than Steve Martin was the evening’s special guest may have had something to do with the highly coveted tickets. Many readers may not know that as well as winning an Academy Award, five Grammy awards, an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor, Martin is an avid art collector with particular fondness for iconic Canadian landscape artist Lawren Harris. Joining Martin on stage for a rare conversation on the art of our times was The New Yorker’s award-winning writer Adam Gopnik who made the trek to our fair city to attend the LOOK gala again this year. And yes, Martin did delight the audience with a brief banjo performance. Other highlights this night included Canada’s biggest contemporary live and silent art auction featuring more than fifty local, national and international artists. From a  Ron Moppett canvas-worth a cool $19,000 to a helicopter ride for five, the auctions featured something for everyone.

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For the deep-pocket set, the evening started with an exclusive $2000 per person three-course dinner prepared by Our Daily Brett’s Brett McDermott with a keynote presentation from Gopnik. And for those with meager means, $25 garnered admission to The Factory Party which started at 10 p.m. featuring DJ’s and live bands.

Who was not in attendance would make a much shorter listing as seemingly half the city was there including: host with the most, Contemporary Calgary’s first director and CEO Pierre Arpin; Shaw Communications president and Contemporary Calgary board chair Jay Mehr and his wife VivianeArt principal Viviane Mehr; legal ace Gregory Forrest; renowned architect Jeremy Sturgess and his wife Lesley Beale; Vibrant Communities Calgary’s Cathy Williams with her husband Bruce Williams; Contemporary Calgary board member Charles Robison and his wife Leila Eveleigh; legendary artist Chris Cran with his equally legendary wife, actor Denise Clarke; MRU professor David Taras and his wife Joan Taras; Dr. Dave McDougall; Sarah Ward; LOOK marketing chair Alex Kingcott; Inbound Interactive’s Calin Yablonski; Contemporary Calgary board member and Trepanier Gallery principal Yves Trepanier and his wife Cheryl Gottseling, Q.C.; Scott Land’s Gregg Scott and his sons Hunter and Ryan; auction committee chair Tyler Stuart and his wife Kaeli; representing presenting sponsor Holt Renfrew, divisional vice-president and general manager Debra Kerr and colleague Tracy Logan; representing co-presenting sponsor National Bank Private Banking 1859,  Katherine (Kasha) Piquette, vice-president, Western Canada and Meghan Meger, president, Western Canada; and others pictured on these two pages.

Pictured, from left, at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary are Vibrant Communities Calgary’s Cathy Williams and her husband Bruce Williams with Leila Eveleigh and her husband, Contemporary Calgary board member Charles Robison.
Pictured, from left, at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary are Vibrant Communities Calgary’s Cathy Williams and her husband Bruce Williams with Leila Eveleigh and her husband, Contemporary Calgary board member Charles Robison. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
From left, Legal ace Gregory Forrest joins Lesley Beale and her husband, legendary architect Jeremy Sturgess at LOOK 2016 Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. The SRO event featured a conversation-and banjo performance from art collector and uber comedian Steve Martin.
From left, Legal ace Gregory Forrest joins Lesley Beale and her husband, legendary architect Jeremy Sturgess at LOOK 2016 Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. The SRO event featured a conversation-and banjo performance from art collector and uber comedian Steve Martin. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Legendary artist Chris Cran and his wife, equally legendary performer Denise Clarke pose for the lens at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary.
 Legendary artist Chris Cran and his wife, equally legendary performer Denise Clarke pose for the lens at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
MRU professor David Taras and his wife Joan Taras were among the guests in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. The event was sold out for weeks prior.
 MRU professor David Taras and his wife Joan Taras were among the guests in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. The event was sold out for weeks prior. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Pictured, from left, at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary are Inbound Interactive’s Calin Yablonski, LOOK marketing chair Alex Kingcott, Sarah Ward Interiors’ Sarah Ward and Dr. Dave McDougall.
 Pictured, from left, at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary are Inbound Interactive’s Calin Yablonski, LOOK marketing chair Alex Kingcott, Sarah Ward Interiors’ Sarah Ward and Dr. Dave McDougall. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Cheryl Gottselig, Q.C. and her husband, Trepanier Gallery principal and board member of Contemporary Calgary Yves Trepanier pictured at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary.
 Cheryl Gottselig, Q.C. and her husband, Trepanier Gallery principal and board member of Contemporary Calgary Yves Trepanier pictured at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Scott Land’s Gregg Scott (centre) and his sons Hunter (left) and Ryan (right) were among the hundreds of art afficionados in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary.
Scott Land’s Gregg Scott (centre) and his sons Hunter (left) and Ryan (right) were among the hundreds of art afficionados in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Self-proclaimed gossip maven Lainey Lui pictured at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary.
Self-proclaimed gossip maven Lainey Lui pictured at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary was a huge hit and was attended by hundreds of guests. Pictured are Kaeli Stuart and Contemporary Calgary board member and chair of the auction committee Tyler Stuart.
 LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary was a huge hit and was attended by hundreds of guests. Pictured are Kaeli Stuart and Contemporary Calgary board member and chair of the auction committee Tyler Stuart. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Legendary philanthropist and community leader Ann McCaig and her daughter Roxanne McCaig were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary.
Legendary philanthropist and community leader Ann McCaig and her daughter Roxanne McCaig were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary was a huge hit and was attended by hundreds of guests. Pictured, from left, are committee member Arif Hirani, Nancy Salerno, Khrys Sheridan and committee member Carmen Salerno.
LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium-future home of Contemporary Calgary was a huge hit and was attended by hundreds of guests. Pictured, from left, are committee member Arif Hirani, Nancy Salerno, Khrys Sheridan and committee member Carmen Salerno. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Posing with legendary fashion designer Paul Hardy at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary are Contemporary Calgary’s Lauren Kibler (left) and Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president and general manager Debra Kerr. Holt Renfrew was one of the presenting sponsors.
Posing with legendary fashion designer Paul Hardy at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary are Contemporary Calgary’s Lauren Kibler (left) and Holt Renfrew divisional vice-president and general manager Debra Kerr. Holt Renfrew was one of the presenting sponsors. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary was a great success. Pictured are event co-chairs Morris and Ann Dancyger.
 LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary was a great success. Pictured are event co-chairs Morris and Ann Dancyger. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Julie Shaw and Terry Berg were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary.
 Julie Shaw and Terry Berg were among the hundreds of guests in attendance at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Pictured at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary. are Nadine Richards (left) and Vania Hebert.
 Pictured at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary. are Nadine Richards (left) and Vania Hebert. Photo by Bill Brooks /Bill Brooks
Contemporary Calgary board chair and Shaw Communications’ president Jay Mehr and his wife Viviane Mehr pose for the lens at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary. The fab fundraiser was headlined by comedian, actor and art enthusiast Steve Martin.
 Contemporary Calgary board chair and Shaw Communications’ president Jay Mehr and his wife Viviane Mehr pose for the lens at LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary. The fab fundraiser was headlined by comedian, actor and art enthusiast Steve Martin. Photo by Phil Crozier /Phil Crozier
LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary was a great success thanks to myriad sponsors and guests. Pictured representing co-presenting sponsor National Bank Private Banking 1859 are Katherine (Kasha) Piquette, vice-president, Western Canada, National Bank Private Banking 1859 and Meghan Meger, president, Western Canada, National Bank Private Banking 1859.
 LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary was a great success thanks to myriad sponsors and guests. Pictured representing co-presenting sponsor National Bank Private Banking 1859 are Katherine (Kasha) Piquette, vice-president, Western Canada, National Bank Private Banking 1859 and Meghan Meger, president, Western Canada, National Bank Private Banking 1859. Photo by Phil Crozier /Phil Crozier
LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary was a great success. Pictured is Brett McDermott of Our Daily Brett fame who was the executive chef for LOOK 2016 VIP Plus Dinner.
 LOOK 2016-Contemporary Calgary’s signature fundraiser and art auction held Oct 22 in the ‘old planetarium’ -future home of Contemporary Calgary was a great success. Pictured is Brett McDermott of Our Daily Brett fame who was the executive chef for LOOK 2016 VIP Plus Dinner. Photo by Phil Crozier /Phil Crozier
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